The 8 best new summer sandals for mamas: perfect for pounding the pavements with a pushchair!

We don’t know about you, but as soon as we became mamas, we pretty much ditched the heels. Yes, we know that makes us a walking (‘scuse us – couldn’t help it!) cliché, but stroller-wrangling in stilettos isn’t really our style. We might just about stretch to a wedge heel for a night out, but in general, we’re happy in our Havaianas. But what to do if you’d like to up your chic factor a little, while remaining comfy? Well, we’ve scoured the shops (both on and offline!) to find the most fabulous flats for spring/summer 2013, or as it’s known in Hong Kong, “hotter“.

1. Marais USA Jitney Wedge 

US$110 / HK$860


No, we’re not cheating… In our minds these definitely count as flats (above). Super-cute and trendy, with a French feel, these sandals have a grosgrain ribbon upper with a tiny braided jute wedge heel (which means don’t wear them in the rain!). We love the bold colours and are still trying to figure out which of them we’re going to get. Eeny, meeny, miney… Kelly Green!

2. Sam Edelman Gigi T-Strap Sandals

US$65 / HK$505

These are truly tried-and-tested by the Sassy Mama team… In fact, we’d go so far as to say we’re addicted! As they come in so many über-fun colours, once you’ve found out how comfortable and durable they are, you’ll want more than one pair! Great for elevating your everyday mama look.

3. K Jacques Neon Patent Sandals

£195 / HK$2260

We know we’re extremely naughty putting these on here, as they are super-pricey, but we’d argue that for K Jacques’ quality and price per wear (considering the use you’ll get out of them), they’re practically a bargain. Did we convince you yet? If you remain sceptical, our last argument is that neon continues to be a huge trend for S/S ’13, so you’ll be the biggest fashionista at the playground!

4. Zara Hologram Sandals

HK$359

Another huge trend for S/S ‘13 are holograms and futuristic finishes, and accessories are the perfect way to get your fix as this isn’t exactly one you’re going to want to rock head-to-toe (unless you’re channeling David Bowie). We’re loving these Zara toe-tappers which are also fairly wallet-friendly. Grab ‘em before they disappear from stores! Sassy Mama tip: Zara is a great source for us big-footed mamas who get laughed out of more local stores…

5. Soludos

US$36.00

These are a bit of a hipster fave, coming in all kinds of bright colours and cool patterns. They’re a little bit tomboy, which we like, and they look great with jeans shorts and a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up. The only problem is you’ll need to avoid wearing them in a rain shower, as they end up rather soggy and even (shhhh) a bit smelly afterwards.

 

 6. TKEES Sheer Flipflops

US$50 / HK$390

We’re all hooked on our Havaianas of course, but the chic new alternative is TKEES, a US brand which does a minimal leather thong in all the colours of the rainbow. We’ve got the French Tip and Sheer (for its leg-lengthening properties!) on our wishlists.

7. Loeffler Randall Dree Woven Sandal

US$175

If you’re after a sandal that says, “Hey, I may just look like a Hong Kong mama on her way to the park, but I know high fashion”, then Loeffler Randall is a great brand to take a look at. We found it hard to narrow down to just one style as their S/S ‘13 collection is just so fantastic, but the Dree, with its silver leather and woven cord will go just right with our floaty summer dresses. Now we just need to justify the spend!

8. Pedder Red Mirror Strap Sandals 

HK$895

Hitting the same fashion note as the Zara sandals are these shiny beauties from Hong Kong’s very own Pedder Red. We’re loving the see-your-face-in-them mirror finish, along with the jewel toned straps.

So that’s it mamas, our roundup of the best summer flats with something for everyone’s budget. Now the tough part is deciding which pair to go for… We love them all!